Circle has revised its terms to permit legal firearms purchases using its stablecoin USDC, responding to industry critiques and aligning with Second Amendment rights as of November 6.
This policy shift highlights the ongoing debate over private sector influence on lawful commerce and financial censorship, with significant support from proponents of financial and constitutional freedoms.
USDC Policy Shift Faces Mixed Reactions
Circle's explicit acceptance of USDC transactions for legal firearms purchases addresses criticism from gun rights organizations over financial deplatforming. Americans for Tax Reform criticized Circle's earlier ban as financially discriminatory. Officials, including Circle's CEO Jeremy Allaire, emphasized the alignment with Second Amendment rights.
The update, now reflecting a neutral stance on legal commerce, responds to calls for financial systems to stay apolitical. This alteration, celebrated by advocacy groups, reiterates USDC's role as a business-friendly stablecoin.
Prominent political figures praised the policy shift. Senator Bill Hagerty viewed it as necessary to counter liberal financial pressure, while Senator Cynthia Lummis highlighted its defense of constitutional rights.
Market Stability and Regulatory Pressures
Did you know? Circle's move aligns with the GENIUS Act's federal guidelines, marking a significant stablecoin issuer's policy reversal under public pressure from regulatory and market developments.
As of November 6, 2025, USDC holds a stable price of $1.00 with a market cap of $75.23 billion and a 2.19% market dominance, according to CoinMarketCap. Trading volume reached $16.39 billion, despite a temporary 24-hour drop of 50.97%.
The Coincu research team suggests that Circle's decision may bolster stablecoin integration in traditional finance while influencing regulatory discussions on financial neutrality and the censorship of legal commerce.